Professional Radon Testing & Radon Mitigation in Akron, CO

Sub-Crawlspace Depressurization Radon System 

Partial Earth-Berm Home With Large Crawlspace & Sunken Living Room

The new homeowner  in Akron, Colorado (80720) recently purchased this partial earth-berm home, and a radon test during the real estate inspection showed levels above 4.0 pCi/L, exceeding EPA action levels. Because earth-berm properties naturally retain soil gases, and this home also includes a 2,000+ sqft crawlspace, a sunken living room, and hung floor joists with no rim joist, a standard radon system was not an option.

Another radon contractor was contacted first but did not have the manpower or technical expertise to handle a mitigation project of this size and complexity.

North Point Radon was brought in to design, and install a sub-crawlspace depressurization system tailored to this unique home.

Project Challenges

This property presented several unique structural and environmental challenges:

• Partial earth-berm construction, increasing radon entry potential
• Oversized 2,000+sq ft crawlspace requiring substantial membrane sealing
• Sunken living room, creating multiple pressure zones beneath the home
• Hung floor joists (no rim joist) requiring modified sealing techniques
• Limited exterior routes for venting, requiring the radon system to run through the home, into the attic, and out the roof
• Need for a Premium Radon fan capable of moving air across large sub-membrane zones

This combination of features meant the home required a custom-engineered Radon mitigation system, not an off-the-shelf approach.

Mitigation Strategy: Sub-Crawlspace Depressurization System

1. Crawlspace Sealing With Reinforced 12-Mil Vapor Barrier

To create a stable sub-membrane environment suitable for depressurization, North Point Radon installed a reinforced 10-mil vapor barrier, fully sealed at:

• All seams and overlaps and sealed
• Crawlspace edges and wall transitions mechanically fastened and sealed
• Support piers, columns, and plumbing penetrations
• The right access under the sunken living room

This heavy-duty 12 membrane is designed for long-term durability in large crawlspaces and earth-contact homes.

2. Multi-Chamber Suction Network

Because of the home’s layout and pressure complexities, we installed:

• Multiple suction points to ensure even depressurization across all soil-contact areas
• Pressure-balancing techniques between zones created by the sunken living room
• Schedule-40 PVC soil gas collection piping with airtight fittings and secure support throughout the crawlspace

This design ensures consistent airflow and sustained pressure beneath the 12-mil vapor barrier..

3. Interior aesthetic package.

Due to the earth-berm design and lack of feasible exterior vent paths, we routed the radon vent:

• Up through interior furnace room
• Into the attic space
• Out the roof, maintaining all EPA/ANSI-AARST clearances

This method keeps the system concealed while delivering optimal performance.

4. High-Performance Fan & System Monitoring

• Installed a high-efficiency Radon fan sized for large crawlspace depressurization.
• Added a manometer gauge, labels, and service points for homeowner.

Results

After installation, North Point Radon Guarantees to reduce the average indoor Radon levels below 4pCi/l, giving the homeowner a safe and healthy living environment.

This project highlights North Point Radon’s ability to handle complex Radon mitigation installations.

• Earth-berm construction
• Large crawlspaces
• Sunken living rooms
• Non-traditional framing (hung floor joists)
• Limited exterior venting options